The Federal Government has announced that the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated 24,302 food baskets to vulnerable households across five states in Nigeria. This was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajia Zubaida Umar, during the flag-off of the distribution exercise in Taraba state on Friday.
Distribution Across Five States
Represented by the Deputy Director of Special Duties at NEMA Headquarters, Mrs. Bolanle Ojo, Hajia Zubaida stated that the beneficiaries are located in Yobe, Benue, Anambra, Kebbi, and Taraba states. Specifically, 3,500 profiled households in Taraba will receive the food baskets under this humanitarian intervention.
“Today’s event is yet another demonstration of the enduring humanitarian partnership between the National Emergency Management Agency and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Over the years, KSrelief has remained a dependable humanitarian partner to Nigeria, consistently supporting vulnerable populations through various relief interventions and technical assistance aimed at strengthening emergency response capacity,” she said.
Complementing Government Efforts
Umar noted that the donation would complement the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Taraba State Government in addressing humanitarian challenges and strengthening community resilience. She explained that the distribution exercise would be conducted in line with KSrelief’s operational and accountability standards to ensure transparency, fairness, and effective delivery to targeted beneficiaries.
According to her, officials of NEMA, the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and recognized volunteers will oversee the exercise. “This collaborative approach is aimed at ensuring that the food baskets reach the intended vulnerable households efficiently and with dignity,” she added.
The NEMA boss expressed appreciation to KSrelief and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their continued support to vulnerable communities in Nigeria, particularly those affected by displacement, insecurity, disasters, and economic hardship. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare and addressing vulnerabilities arising from disasters, conflicts, climate-related emergencies, and economic challenges.
Flood Preparedness Warning
Umar also used the occasion to warn residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures as the rainy season intensifies. She said Taraba had historically experienced flooding that disrupted livelihoods, displaced families, damaged farmlands, and affected critical infrastructure.
“In line with the predictions from the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook, residents, community leaders and local authorities in flood-prone areas should take proactive measures to reduce risks and protect lives,” she said.
She advised communities to clear drainage channels, avoid dumping waste in waterways, relocate from highly flood-prone locations where necessary, and adhere to early warning advisories issued by relevant authorities. Umar also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community volunteers to support awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing community preparedness and resilience against flooding and other hazards.
State Government Appreciation
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Echuseh Audu, commended KSrelief for the intervention and praised NEMA for its partnership in ensuring that Taraba benefited from the programme. Audu described the donation as a complement to the state government’s humanitarian efforts and assured that the relief materials would be distributed transparently to the intended beneficiaries.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with our state correspondent expressed gratitude to KSrelief and NEMA, saying the intervention would help cushion the effects of the hardship resulting from their displacement.
